According to a U.S. official, this marked the first time that the Russian bombers were escorted by fighter planes during one of these flights, though the flights are still considered routine and not of concern, despite the intercept. The uptick of TU-95 Bear bombers and now SU-35 fighter jets are most likely engaged in training exercises.

Speaking about the Russian aircraft last month, NORAD spokesperson John Cornelio stressed that the flights weren’t unprecedented, but the amount of activity hadn’t occurred for several years.

The activity by both countries’ air forces came a day after “a very good” phone call between President Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The two did not discuss the previous intercepts off the Alaskan coast.